Cards Arizona Fall League Preview – Part One

Brian Walton

09/30/2006

Cardinals Special Assistant to the General Manager, Senior Director of Professional Scouting Bruce Manno sets the stage for seven Cardinals prospects playing in the Arizona Fall League with the Peoria Saguaros. The first of three exclusive audio interviews focuses on changes to the league and in preparation for the season.

Coaches and players report to training camps this coming Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for this year's Arizona Fall League (AFL), MLB's premier prospect showcase. Workouts begin on Thursday, October 5 in preparation for the start of the League's 15th season on Tuesday, October 10.

Each organization will be sending seven players to the AFL this year, with the Cardinals' group consisting of four pitchers, an infielder and two outfielders, all from the Springfield Cardinals (Double-A).

The Cardinals' AFL contingent also includes trainer Brad LaRosa and pitching coach Derek Lilliquist, working under Saguaros Manager Randy Ready, who comes from the Padres' organization.

Here, in the first installment of a three-part series, Special Assistant to the General Manager, Senior Director of Professional Scouting Bruce Manno sets the stage for the 2006 AFL campaign.

Manno discusses changes to the rosters and with the makeup of the coaching staffs, the player selection process and how the conditioning of the players is maintained between the conclusion of the regular season and the start of the AFL.

(7:10) (subscribers only)

In Parts Two and Three of this series, subscribers can listen to Manno break down the pitchers and position players competing in the AFL, including their strengths as well as areas they will be working on under the Arizona sun this fall.